ABSTRACT
The higher rate of hepatitis infection among injecting drug users who have been to prison cannot necessarily be attributed to needle sharing while in prison. Prisoners tend to be more severely dependent drug users. Additionally, offenders are also more prone to risk taking. For those offenders unable to benefit from a community substance use treatment programme, prison can afford a chance to address a substance use problem. There is an increased risk of fatal opioid overdoses among drug users leaving prisons both and abroad. In the light of the available research evidence, new clinical substance misuse guidance for UK prisons was published in 2006. The guidance recommended very early intervention in remand prisons for the treatment of drug withdrawal. Continuity of care for drug users is secured across justice sectors in England and Wales via the Drug Interventions Programme.
